- ‹Home
- ‹
- /
- Jewellery & Watch Guides
- /
- Omega Speedmaster Guide
The Omega Speedmaster Buying Guide
What does it take to be known as the most resilient watch ever created? Omega may have just about achieved that feat with the Omega Speedmaster, and in this guide, you will discover the history, unique features and limited edition models of the Speedmaster that make it a watch that is truly out of this world. A Brief Timeline of the Omega Speedmaster The Omega Speedmaster was first strapped to wrists in 1957 (ref.CK2915) after Omega noticed the need for high-performance watches within motorsports. The Speedmaster was therefore built to be robust, easy to use and indefinitely precise, allowing users to attain accurate time measurements. The Speedmaster was inspired by Italian sports cars, with the dial resembling the dashboard of those luxurious motor cars. Although intended as the go-to sports watch for racing car drivers, the Speedmaster was used for many other sports due to its timing accuracy. From 1957 to 1968, Omega used the calibre 321 on all of the Speedmasters, but beyond 1969 and due to a need to supply the high demand for the Speedmaster, Omega introduced the calibre 861 and renamed the watch the 'Speedmaster Professional'. This calibre remained in play until 1996 when Omega introduced calibre 1861, with the first inducted for ref.3570.50. This new calibre indicated a new, corrosion-resistant rhodium-plated movement. It proved effective - the same calibre has been used on all Omega Speedmaster professional watches until this very day.Speedmaster Watches
The Speedmaster's Links to Space
The Omega Speedmaster has reached heights most could only dream of, quite literally. In 1963, Nasa astronauts requested a reliable watch to accompany them on their space explorations. This request led to NASA testing the best watches in highly challenging experiments. Omega responded to this request, along with other chronograph manufacturers, and sent their third-generation Omega Speedmaster (ref.105.003).
Omega passed the tests in what was a landslide victory against their fellow watch makers, and their reward, the Omega Speedmaster was given official certification to accompany astronaunts on all their space explorations. Passing these tests allowed Omega to claim the strongest watch to date. This fact was lauded by Omega in their advertisements then and now.
Since the first Omega Speedmaster (ref.105.012) entered space, it has been worn on the wrists of astronauts for seven Apollo missions, but the most surnominous mission of them all, the 1969 moon landing. Buzz Aldrin took his first steps in outer space, wearing an Omega Speedmaster watch. This historic moment paved way for the Speedmaster to create the Moonwatch. To recongnise a Moonwatch, all Speedmasters after 1970 have engraved casebacks that celebrate the historic event.
The Omega Speedmaster has reached heights most could only dream of, quite literally. In 1963, Nasa astronauts requested a reliable watch to accompany them on their space explorations. This request led to NASA testing the best watches in highly challenging experiments. Omega responded to this request, along with other chronograph manufacturers, and sent their third-generation Omega Speedmaster (ref.105.003).
Omega passed the tests in what was a landslide victory against their fellow watch makers, and their reward, the Omega Speedmaster was given official certification to accompany astronaunts on all their space explorations. Passing these tests allowed Omega to claim the strongest watch to date. This fact was lauded by Omega in their advertisements then and now.
Since the first Omega Speedmaster (ref.105.012) entered space, it has been worn on the wrists of astronauts for seven Apollo missions, but the most surnominous mission of them all, the 1969 moon landing. Buzz Aldrin took his first steps in outer space, wearing an Omega Speedmaster watch. This historic moment paved way for the Speedmaster to create the Moonwatch. To recongnise a Moonwatch, all Speedmasters after 1970 have engraved casebacks that celebrate the historic event.
Distinctive Features of the Omega Speedmaster
Not only is the Omega Speedmaster a watch that has gone down in history, but it also holds some distinctive features that make it a staple chronograph for any watch enthusiast. The first editions of the Speedmaster incorporated 'broad arrows' hands which has soon replaced by 'sword-like' arrows on the CK2915-3 model. The Speedmaster was the first watch to incorporate a 12-hour totaliser, which was the stopwatch feature of the watch, and it was the first to feature a tachymeter scale on its bezel, which is used to measure speed. Both of these features led the way in watch timing innovations. While the Speedmaster model traditionally comes with a black dial, there have been limited editions that come in various other colours. Over the years, the Speedmaster hasn't changed its design significantly, but modern versions have a 42mm case and 20mm lug width, with a stainless steel bracelet.
Special Edition Omega Speedmasters
Omega has made many versions of the Speedmaster with variations including automatic models, reduced sizes, different dial colours and special case materials. Limited edition celebratory models have also been released to hallmark those historic space explorations of the late 1960s. Here's a brief look at some of those limited-edition versions of the Speedmaster.
Speedmaster Racing Editions
As originally intended, the Omega Speedmaster was designed to be the watch for the dare-defying racing car drivers of the late 1950s. However, it wasn't until 1968 that the first 'racing' version of the Omega Speedmaster was introduced. The first 'racing' Speedy (ref.145.012-67) featured bright orange hands and bold edging on the outer bezel, making it easier to read at high speeds. Other editions under the 'racing' line are the Schumacher edition (ref.175.0032) and the Japan racing editions (ref.3570.40.00).
Not only is the Omega Speedmaster a watch that has gone down in history, but it also holds some distinctive features that make it a staple chronograph for any watch enthusiast. The first editions of the Speedmaster incorporated 'broad arrows' hands which has soon replaced by 'sword-like' arrows on the CK2915-3 model. The Speedmaster was the first watch to incorporate a 12-hour totaliser, which was the stopwatch feature of the watch, and it was the first to feature a tachymeter scale on its bezel, which is used to measure speed. Both of these features led the way in watch timing innovations. While the Speedmaster model traditionally comes with a black dial, there have been limited editions that come in various other colours. Over the years, the Speedmaster hasn't changed its design significantly, but modern versions have a 42mm case and 20mm lug width, with a stainless steel bracelet.
Special Edition Omega Speedmasters
Omega has made many versions of the Speedmaster with variations including automatic models, reduced sizes, different dial colours and special case materials. Limited edition celebratory models have also been released to hallmark those historic space explorations of the late 1960s. Here's a brief look at some of those limited-edition versions of the Speedmaster.
Speedmaster Racing Editions
As originally intended, the Omega Speedmaster was designed to be the watch for the dare-defying racing car drivers of the late 1950s. However, it wasn't until 1968 that the first 'racing' version of the Omega Speedmaster was introduced. The first 'racing' Speedy (ref.145.012-67) featured bright orange hands and bold edging on the outer bezel, making it easier to read at high speeds. Other editions under the 'racing' line are the Schumacher edition (ref.175.0032) and the Japan racing editions (ref.3570.40.00).
Dark Side Of The Moon
The Apollo 8 mission was the first time humans saw the other side of the Moon, the dark side. Due to this milestone, in 2013, Omega released a version of the Speedmaster to celebrate this feat in humankind. The 'Dark Side Of The Moon' has a case, bezel and dial crafted from a single block of black ceramic (ref. 311.92.44.51.01.003), making it a one-of-a-kind timepiece. A 'Grey Side' and 'White Side' were also created in the following years, and in 2018, a dark side version with laser ablation treatment was introduced, mimicking the Moon's surface.
Moon Landing Tributes
Omega has celebrated the successful Apollo 11 lunar landing with versions of the Speedmaster that hold special references to that historical moment. The first, ref.145.022, was made from 18k gold and embodied a rare burgundy bezel. The first of this version produced was reserved for President Richard Nixon and 26 other astronauts who had left Earth's atmosphere to reach the Moon. 40th anniversary models and 50th anniversary models celebrating the lunar landing have also been released, with the 2019 celebratory model including a laser-engraved image of Buzz Aldrin climbing down from his space shuttle and Neil Armstrongs first footprint marked on the case back.
Snoopy Award Tributes
In 1970, Apollo 13 was dramatically aborted after an explosion on the spacecraft. At this critical moment, precision and timing were vital to return to Earth safely. The Omega Speedmaster was the hero of the day. The astronauts aboard Apollo 13 used the Speedmaster to time a rocket boost at exactly 14 seconds once they were at the correct angle. Extraordinarily, the astronauts returned to Earth in one piece, and Omega was given the Snoopy Award to celebrate their involvement in the astronaut's safe return. Since then, multiple versions of the Speedmaster have been released, in 2003 and 2015, but most notably, the 2020 version (ref. 310.32.42.50.02.001) included an image of Snoopy floating through space on the case back.
The Apollo 8 mission was the first time humans saw the other side of the Moon, the dark side. Due to this milestone, in 2013, Omega released a version of the Speedmaster to celebrate this feat in humankind. The 'Dark Side Of The Moon' has a case, bezel and dial crafted from a single block of black ceramic (ref. 311.92.44.51.01.003), making it a one-of-a-kind timepiece. A 'Grey Side' and 'White Side' were also created in the following years, and in 2018, a dark side version with laser ablation treatment was introduced, mimicking the Moon's surface.
Moon Landing Tributes
Omega has celebrated the successful Apollo 11 lunar landing with versions of the Speedmaster that hold special references to that historical moment. The first, ref.145.022, was made from 18k gold and embodied a rare burgundy bezel. The first of this version produced was reserved for President Richard Nixon and 26 other astronauts who had left Earth's atmosphere to reach the Moon. 40th anniversary models and 50th anniversary models celebrating the lunar landing have also been released, with the 2019 celebratory model including a laser-engraved image of Buzz Aldrin climbing down from his space shuttle and Neil Armstrongs first footprint marked on the case back.
Snoopy Award Tributes
In 1970, Apollo 13 was dramatically aborted after an explosion on the spacecraft. At this critical moment, precision and timing were vital to return to Earth safely. The Omega Speedmaster was the hero of the day. The astronauts aboard Apollo 13 used the Speedmaster to time a rocket boost at exactly 14 seconds once they were at the correct angle. Extraordinarily, the astronauts returned to Earth in one piece, and Omega was given the Snoopy Award to celebrate their involvement in the astronaut's safe return. Since then, multiple versions of the Speedmaster have been released, in 2003 and 2015, but most notably, the 2020 version (ref. 310.32.42.50.02.001) included an image of Snoopy floating through space on the case back.
Discover Preowned Omega Speedmaster Watches From Ramsdens
If you are seeking a watch suitable for making a trip beyond our atmosphere, then an Omega Speedmaster is the watch for you. See our full collection of Omega Speedmaster models to find the perfect watch for you.
Of course, the speedy doesn't need to travel to outer space to make it a worthy investment. Whether you are buying for yourself, adding to your collection, or gifting a Speedmaster to a loved one, just like all of the Omega watches in our collection, this chronograph will hold its value due to its durability and historical past.
To find out more about the Omega watches, read our The History Of Omega guide, or to find out more about the watches we have available, see our jewellery and watch guides.
If you are seeking a watch suitable for making a trip beyond our atmosphere, then an Omega Speedmaster is the watch for you. See our full collection of Omega Speedmaster models to find the perfect watch for you.
Of course, the speedy doesn't need to travel to outer space to make it a worthy investment. Whether you are buying for yourself, adding to your collection, or gifting a Speedmaster to a loved one, just like all of the Omega watches in our collection, this chronograph will hold its value due to its durability and historical past.
To find out more about the Omega watches, read our The History Of Omega guide, or to find out more about the watches we have available, see our jewellery and watch guides.